Does it bother you to hear "Thank you for your service!"?

I tell every serviceman I see, thanks for your service. I also tell every police officer or firefighter thanks for your service. When I wear a Vietnam related cap I get thanked and it makes me feel a hell of a lot better than I did when I came home from Nam.

SPC Larry Buck,

There were the days that the only time the "public" acknowledged the Service Member and Veterans, was during Holidays, Parades or Ceromonies. Barely a second glance if in Uniform all other times.

Liberation of Kuwait and Desert Shield/ Storm, brought the first true recognition of our Service. That even our Viet Nam Vets were being acknowledge and thanked. Something that was long over due, in my opinion.

9/11, brought more.

Now when some one says Thank You to me for my Service. I reply with a Thank You to them. A handshake and a humble nod of my head.

Yes and No. Yes when it is genuine and even impressive when someone goes out of their way to shake your hand and say it. When they do that I am speechless. I hate it when it is fake like in a job interview when they are about to tell you you're not what they are seeking regardless of how much better or more qualified you are. Ever time I hear the that disengenuous "first, let me say thank you for your service" you know the next thing is the knife to the gut.

I find it a honor to have served. I am glad people thank me for my service. Most Americans never served our nation. It's a no brainer. Thank you to all my brothers and sisters who have served.

Yes, but I am from a time when everyone with some exceptions such as crippled, homosexual, working in a vital job, etc did serve. So the person that did not serve was the exception unlike today where it is the rule. I think that I was just doing what I was
supposed to do.

I appreciate it.

A veteran wrote online about this. It made him uncomfortable but his solution was to reply with "My Pleasure." I've been using it ever since then.

Nope not at all

It always catches me off-guard. Both my dad and step-dad are vets and I never heard them get any recognition. My kids used to ask me why so many people shook my hand around town. Now, they go and offer recognition to men/women wearing "Veteran" hats/pins/jackets. It's a GOOD thing!!! Just thank them for their support and move on. You've earned it, but WE don't expect you to just sit down now. Carry on, young Buck!

I tell anyone that I see that is a Veteran thank you for your service. I think it is important to recognize our Veterans.